Americans are tired of sky-high property taxes. That’s made the issue prime red meat for politicians looking to gain support. At The American Conservative, Scott Greer explains that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is looking to set himself apart from potential 2028 presidential primary opponents, including J.D. Vance, with a major push against property taxes. Greer doesn’t think getting rid of property taxes is a great idea, but concedes that it is a popular position. He writes:
DeSantis is one of the leaders in the crusade against property taxes. This issue has suddenly exploded as a major issue among red state voters. DeSantis claims property taxes undermine home ownership and suggests we may need a national ban on them. He’s pushing for his legislature to pass a bill to eliminate them in the Sunshine State.
Out of all forms of taxation one could oppose, it’s unwise to focus on property taxes. Studies show it’s one of the least detrimental taxes to economic growth. Unlike other taxes, it goes directly to local services within the taxpayer’s community. It would be tough to maintain schools, roads, first responders, and other public services without them. Ending property taxes would likely increase the cost to buy a home (due to increased fees to offset the absence of property taxes) and increase other forms of taxation. It would degrade the quality of life in most communities if these places could no longer fund public services.
Nevertheless, being anti-property tax is a popular position. Texas put two measures to restrict property taxes on the ballot earlier this month. Nearly 80 percent of the state voted for the measures.
Unfortunately for the quality of life in America, this could be DeSantis’s best issue in the 2028 primary. Besides Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, no other Republican is as vocal in condemning this form of taxation.
Action Line: States and municipalities must either cut costs or generate revenue. Without property taxes, that revenue will be raised some other way. Whether or not you agree with Greer or DeSantis on property taxes, most Americans can probably agree that spending is out of control and that the best way to fix taxes today is to cut spending. Just look at my chart of the national debt below. You can see right away that America is spending too much at the federal level, and that’s mirrored in states and cities across the country. Click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
